A team of engineers from Monash University has developed a new water-based battery that could improve the storage of solar energy for homeowners. The “flow battery” is cheaper and safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries and can charge quickly and efficiently. The battery features a new membrane design that guides the flow of materials, resulting in long battery life and excellent performance. The engineers tested the battery by running 600 high-current cycles and experienced no significant capacity loss. They believe the battery could be ideal for homeowners looking for a cheap and safe way to store solar energy. The researchers are now 3D-printing prototypes and testing them for real-world applications, with predictions that the batteries could be available for consumers within a few years. The flow batteries have several benefits over lithium-ion batteries, including being cheaper to make, easier to scale, and safer to use. This innovation has the potential to improve solar power systems and advance the clean energy transition, making it easier for individuals to store and use solar energy.
‘The ideal battery to have stored in your garage’
